What does politesse mean?
Politesse means courteous, refined, and considerate behavior, especially behavior that displays good manners or respect for other people. In modern English, it often has a formal or literary quality, suggesting a degree of elegance and social polish beyond ordinary politeness. The word can refer either to a general manner of interacting or to a single courteous act, such as helping someone with a coat or acknowledging an introduction. It is especially associated with diplomacy, hospitality, etiquette, and traditional social settings. A sentence using politesse may emphasize grace, restraint, or impeccable manners. Although less common in everyday speech than politeness, it is useful when describing conduct that is notably courteous and ceremonially correct. Its French origin also preserves an atmosphere of refinement and social sophistication.
nounPolite, courteous, and refined behavior, especially in social interactions. It can also refer to a courteous or considerate act.
- Courteous, refined, and considerate behavior toward other people.
- A courteous or considerate social gesture.
"She handled the difficult conversation with remarkable grace and politesse."
"The host received every guest with warmth and politesse."
"Her quiet politesse put the nervous visitor at ease."
The plural is possible but uncommon; politesse is ordinarily used as an uncountable noun or to refer to an individual courteous act.
"Her small politesses made everyone feel welcome."
Politesse is a refined way of saying “being polite,” but its very sound conveys the elegance it describes.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does politesse come from?
The word was borrowed from French politesse, a noun derived from the French adjective polite. Both English polite and French politesse ultimately relate to Latin politus, meaning civil, cultivated, or refined. English borrowed the French form in the eighteenth century, and it eventually became established as a more formal synonym for courteous behavior.
How politesse is actually used
Politesse is formal and somewhat literary. It is more common in writing about social custom, diplomacy, hospitality, or old-fashioned manners than in everyday conversation.
Easily confused with politesse
Politeness is the ordinary modern noun for courteous behavior, while politesse more often suggests refined, formal, or ceremonially courteous conduct.